Thank you for visiting our forum. As a guest, you have limited access to view some discussion and articles. By joining our free community, you will be able to view all discussions and articles, post your own topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload photos, participate in Pick'Em contests and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free, so please join our community today!!

Seems like the only people that recommend Hyman's live somewhere other than Charleston. To me it's a classic tourist trap, but apparently a lot of people like it.

If you're looking for "family" places to eat, Page's Okra Grill in Mt Pleasant is pretty good, but be warned it can get crowded. Might be tough to get tables for a big group together.

The Wreck on Shem Creek is dumpy and difficult to find, and the seafood is simply served on paper plates. It's overpriced a bit now compared to what it used to be before it was "discovered" by everyone, but it's hard to beat the view of Shem Creek while you're drinking a beer waiting on a table. They do serve boiled peanuts on the tables, so if someone in your family has a peanut allergy (like my daughter), stay away.

Likewise, Bowen's Island out towards Folly is equally (or more) dumpy than the Wreck, serves seafood on paper plates, but has a great water view. Personally, I like Bowens more than the Wreck, but both are good.

You can't go wrong at a beachouse buying some shrimp at Shem Creek and making Frogmore stew or just boiled shrimp.

If you get a chance park by the Ravenel Bridge and walk the bridge over the river, the view is great. Walk the Battery, and my favorite walk is the upper end of Folly by the Lighthouse. Great place for pictures.

I was reading back on this thread and was glad someone caught that about Hymans, in my way of think its got to be one of the most overstated restaurants in The City, the food is so-so at best and the whole thing screams tourists and tacky!! I'd used to have a decent catch and the seafood was decent but, over the last decade or so its gone to the tourists by way of the restaurant skimping on quality for people that simple don't know food or drink!!!

Sorry but this is a major tourists trap. Promoting is the key and they succeed in that sense. If it were me, I'd stay away from here. Other than Hyman's, must food choices are top notch here. Since you're out that way, swing by Shem Creek, maybe Red's for some good Happy Hour. Downtown, my personal favorite is Blossom, but you could hit up Burwell's near the market. They have outdoor seating on the second floor. King Street had a major make over, so really any of the restaurants up towards that direction are legit. Not sure of your price range, but if you're gonna wine/dine, Hall's is a must do. If you can, do some inshore fishing. My buddy charters and a good guy. If ya need some more info, shoot me a PM IOP is a great spot, not gonna lie, I'm jealous.

On IOP, breaksfast at the Sea Biscuit, casual beachfront dining at Coconut Joes, fine dining at The Boathouse. On Sullivans, Poes(the best burgers) & Taco Mac for casual, Salt is cool place for casual and fine dining and High Tymes has the best brunch.

Fleet Landing - sit on the porch if you can, Hanks, Boathouse at Breech Inlet for seafood. I don't like Hymans. Used to before I moved here, but found it's the classic tourist trap and you can find much better seafood for the same price elsewhere in Charleston. Pane e Vino is a good recommendation too. Hominy Grill is a must for breakfast, as well as Boulevard Diner for breakfast (or lunch). And I'm embarrassed to admit that I have no idea of Jestine's has reopened yet after the kitchen fire. If it has, go there for some good Southern food. Tommy Condon's Irish Pub on Church is good too.

Lucas' Belgian Chocolates at the corner of State and Market for the chocolate dipped strawberries. Seriously...these strawberries are the size of your hand. AWESOME to munch on while walking through the Market.

Also, it's a requirement to do the harbor tour to Ft Sumter at least once in your life, and a Charleston Carriage Tour. The Ghost Tours are fun too.

Other than that, just enjoy having your toes in the sand and a cold beverage in hand.